NORTH ADAMS, MASS. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by USGBC, is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

According to MCLA President James F. Birge, the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation is a model of sustainability. The building’s photovoltaic solar panel array, he said, is just one feature that helps make this 65,000-square-foot, high-tech building exceptionally energy-efficient.

“Sustainability is extremely important to MCLA,” Birge said. “We are delighted that our Center for Science and Innovation has been recognized at this very high level of certification.”

“MCLA’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and MCLA serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”

According to Lawrence Behan, MCLA vice president of administration and finance, “This project emphasizes that ongoing investments in public higher education infrastructure are not only essential, but can be cost effective to operate with green-build technologies. This is an example of the many collaborative efforts between state agencies, in this case the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and MCLA.

In addition to its LEED certification, the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation features state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, research and presentation spaces, a greenhouse, a rooftop classroom and outdoor instruction areas.

Like the Science Center, MCLA’s recently renovated Bowman Hall is LEED-certified, and features heat- and cooling-efficient devices, new windows and digital controls that provide operational cost savings.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is the Commonwealth’s public liberal arts college and a campus of the Massachusetts state university system. MCLA promotes excellence in learning and teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, applied knowledge, and active and responsible citizenship. MCLA graduates are prepared to be practical problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens.